The first national tour of Billy Elliot the Musical, currently at Chicago's Ford Center/Oriental Theatre through January 15, has announced additional stops. It will play an extended engagement at Toronto's Canon Theatre (beginning January 28) followed by San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre (beginning September 13).

In addition, a second national tour will launch in Durham, NC at the Triangle's DPAC (October 30 - November 14, 2010), and will continue in Cleveland, OH (November 19 - December 12, 2010); Minneapolis, MN (December 16 - January 9, 2011); Charlotte, NC (January 12 - 30, 2011); Tampa, FL (February 2 - 20, 2011); Houston, TX (February 23 - March 13, 2011); Seattle, WA (March 17 - April 3, 2011); Portland, OR (April 5 - 24, 2011); Tempe, AZ (April 27 - May 8, 2011); Denver, CO (May 11 -June 5, 2011); Dallas, TX (June 8 - July 3, 2011) and St. Louis, MO (August 8 - 28, 2011) with more cities to be announced.

The first national tour in Chicago currently stars Tommy Batchelor, Giuseppe Bausilio, Cesar Corrales, and John Peter (J.P.) Viernes alternating in the title role. The cast also features Emily Skinner (Mrs. Wilkinson), Armand Schultz (Dad), Cynthia Darlow (Grandma), Patrick Mulvey (Tony), Keean Johnson and Gabriel Rush (Michael), Samuel Pergande (Billy's Older Self), Jim Ortlieb (George), Susie McMonagle (Mum), Blake Hammond (Mr. Braithwaite), and Maria Connelly (Debbie). Casting for both tours beyond the Chicago engagement will be announced at a later date.

Based on the 2000 film of the same name, the show tells the tale of a young boy with a dream of being a dancer. The show won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical; it is written by Elton John (music) and Lee Hall (book and lyrics).

For more information, visit www.BillyElliotTour.com.